The Kings started slowly with the Taipans up by six points in the first quarter but were quick to bounce back with a 28-13 result in the second period.
A key piece in the Kings’ win was Justin Simon who had the job of restricting Cairns star DJ Hogg.
Hogg impacted the first two Playoff games strongly but was held to only nine points in Game 3, with Simon sticking to him.
“Justin did a really good job on him tonight, I thought that was a key [to winning],” Kings coach Chase Buford said.
He applauded his team for putting their bodies on the line, and assured the Kings were back to playing their style of basketball as they look to defend their championship.
“The game plan tonight was to get back to who we were,” he said.
Kings guard Dejan Vasiljevic echoed Buford’s comments and emphasised the team’s hunger on defence.
“We just went back to being us, centring the ball, knowing our scout,” Vasiljevic said.
“We just locked in defensively.
“To get back to where we were, full credit to the guys.”
The Kings will play the New Zealand Breakers in the Championship Series starting on March 3 at Qudos Bank Arena.
